Robert Zemeckis is apparently in talks to direct an aeroplane drama starring Denzel Washington.

The American Gangster actor is attached to play the lead in the film about a pilot who saves a flight from an engine malfunction but is revealed to be an alcoholic and a drug addict, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

When the substance abusing pilot rescues the aircraft and his passengers after the plane's engine falters, he becomes a hero.

But during the follow-up investigation, the Federal Aviation Authority discovers his addictions and tries to hide them to save his image as he tries to turn his life around.

Oscar-winner Robert, director of Back to the Future and Forrest Gump, last directed a live action film in 2000 and has spent the last decade making motion capture films such as Beowulf and A Christmas Carol.

Dreamer's John Gatins wrote the script for Flight and was originally attached to direct.

Robert was due to direct Disney's performance capture adaptation of The Yellow Submarine, but it has been cancelled due to budgeting and the poor response of audiences to the reinterpretation of the Beatles classic.